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Patek Philippe Calatrava 2509J with Archive Papers — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Patek Philippe Calatrava 2509J with Archive Papers

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
c. 1953
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 35 mm
Stock no.
Product 8980882293012
Credit line
Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 8980882293012)
Catalogue title (original)
Patek Philippe Calatrava 2509J w/Archive Papers (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 8980882293012), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1953. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY

The Patek Philippe Calatrava stands as a testament to one of the most esteemed watch designs from the 20th century, with its origins dating back to the 1930s, commencing with the iconic ref. 96. Many iterations came in later decades and arguably one of the most attractive is the reference 2509. The famous case maker François Borgel designed the 35mm case which was one of the first waterproof/screw back designs for Patek and boasted gorgeous geometry. This example on offer, circa 1953, has remained in stunning vintage condition with a near mint dial that has no distracting marks to note. The case has also been very well preserved with strong lugs and hallmarks still visible. For anyone on the hunt for the ultimate classic dress watch, this piece offers as much charm as a collector could hope for and feels just as timeless today as ever. This piece comes with its archive papers from Patek for added provenance. Explore more of our vintage Patek Philippe watches .

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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